Housing and Land Contracts

SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE LEGAL SERVICES

Housing and Land Contracts

Everyone has a legal right to decent, sanitary and safe housing.

Farmworkers are protected by state and federal laws which require employers to post bilingual notices of your legal rights, including:

	Who is in charge of your housing?
	Who do I complain to if the housing has problems?
	How much is the rent? How do I get a receipt?
	How much are the utility fees or costs (electricity, gas, etc.)?
	Does your housing comply with licensing and pass inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture?

Michigan Labor Camp Rules also require your employer to provide:

	Adequate water supply (drinkable running water in every unit).
	Safety and emergency procedures (for tornados, fire, etc.).
	Clean and sufficient sanitary facilities.
	Ample electrical service and heat (from September to June).
	Housing constructed according to proper standards.

There are Legal Protections against wrongful evictions in Michigan:

	You cannot be fired or evicted for asking for decent housing.
	You cannot be "locked out" without a court order from a judge.
	If you receive any notice to vacate, call Farmworker Legal Services IMMEDIATELY - even if you do not pay rent!

Rent & Utility Charges or other "Deposits":

	Rent cannot be charged for some government-funded housing.
	Rent and other charges cannot be deducted from your paycheck unless authorized by you in writing.
	Utility charges (for electric or LP gas) must be reasonable.
	*DO NOT PAY RENT IN CASH WITHOUT GETTING A RECEIPT!*

Mobile Home Parks & Subsidized Housing:

Special laws protect tenants in these situations. Contact a legal aid office near you if you have any problems.

Buying a House on "Land Contract":

	Buyers should make sure that they understand what the "land contract" means before signing it. It is advisable that you consult an attorney before making a land contract deal.
	Under Michigan law, the seller must tell the buyer about all known defects (problems) in the property in writing. Ask the seller for a "Seller's Disclosure Statement" before offering to buy property or signing any legal documents.

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